21 of the Most Fun New Cars You Can Buy for Less Than $40,000

If you're looking for an affordable car that's enjoyable to drive, these are some of the best.

Nissan

Nissan 370Z - $30,090

People seem to forget about the 370Z—not surprising considering it's been on sale since 2009, virtually unchanged. It's still a fun car though—how can something with over 300 horsepower and a manual transmission not be? You won't be able to get a Nismo edition for under $40,000, but the nicely-equipped Sport Touring model is more affordable. Here's a manual model on sale for just under $30,000.

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Chevrolet

Chevrolet Camaro 1LE - $30,495

If you're into the Camaro as a legitimate track car, but don't want to have a V-8, we have good news: You can now get the 1LE track pack with the V-6 or four-cylinder Camaro as well. Sure, it might not sound like a muscle car, but with the way this thing corners, we doubt you'll care. Here's a V-8-powered 1LE on eBay for just over $39,000.

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Toyota

Toyota Corolla Hatchback - $20,140

When you think of fun cars, the Corolla probably doesn't immediately come to mind. This new hatchback version, though, deserves some attention. Thanks to its simplicity and light weight, it's actually fun as hell, especially with a six-speed manual. Here's a new one you can own right now.

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Subaru

Subaru BRZ tS - $34,355

The BRZ tS might not be the big-power turbo BRZ we've all been asking for, but it's still a very good car. Thanks to ultra-sticky tires and real aerodynamics, it has more grip than you'll ever need, which means ultra fast cornering speeds.

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Kia

Kia Stinger GT - $39,300

The Kia Stinger is one hell of a car, and for less than $40,000, you can even option the bigger 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 365 horsepower. That, combined with rear-wheel drive and some excellent chassis tuning, make for a seriously fun daily driver. Here's a used GT model you can own right now.

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DW Burnett/Puppyknuckles

Alfa Romeo Giulia - $38,295

The Giulia is one of the best-driving new luxury sport sedans out there, and if you're willing to live with a base model, you can get one for under budget. But don't worry, you still get a 280-horsepower turbocharged inline-four, an eight-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive. This one has just 17,500 miles on the odometer, and it's for sale right now.

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FCA US LLC

Dodge Charger R/T - $36,245

At $36,245, the Scat Pack Charger skirts well underneath budget. The 370-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 comes standard, as do 20-inch wheels and an active exhaust. If you want an old-school muscle vibe in your new sedan, this is the car for you. This Scat Pack is painted in a beautiful shade of red, and can be yours.

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Hyundai

Hyundai Veloster N - $26,900

The Veloster N is Hyundai's first real attempt at a hot hatch. Thanks to ex-BMW M director Albert Biermann, it's a true joy to drive. Best of all, it's on the cheaper side, and perfectly practical.

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Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Miata - $25,730

What list of fun cars would be complete without the Miata? It's definitely a cliche at this point, but for good reason. The Miata is light, simple, affordable, and an absolute blast to drive. Here's a used RF Grand Touring model on eBay for sale.

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Fiat

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth - $29,540

If you want a bit more bling and slightly more boost in your two-seat roadster, consider the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. It's based on the Miata, but uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine making 164 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Here's a new one for sale you can own now.

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Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth - $20,745

With a punchy little turbo four-cylinder and a hilariously loud exhaust, the Fiat 500 Abarth is perhaps the world's angriest hot hatch. To drive, it's a total riot, and a bargain with a base price just over $20,000. Here's a used one on eBay for just under $16,000.

The Volkswagen has been the king of hot hatches for years, and we can't see that changing anytime soon. It's more refined than ever before, but it's still a blast to drive. We recommend springing for the GTI Sport and leaving it at that. But if you want even more power and all-wheel drive, the 292-horsepower Golf R is a great buy, as well. Here's a new manual model painted in black you can own today.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Jetta GLI - $25,995

If you'd rather have a sedan over a hatch, Volkswagen has you covered. The Jetta GLI offers the same performance as the hatchback GTI, in sedan form and at a slightly cheaper price. This one's brand-new, and up for grabs on eBay now.

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Jeep

Jeep Wrangler - $31,545

The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable off-roaders you can buy from the factory. Compared to most new SUVs, it's incredibly old-school, one of the main reasons it's so popular. Here's a lightly used Sahara model with a manual transmission you can own now.

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Honda

Honda Civic Type R - $37,230

After years of waiting, Honda has finally brought the Civic Type R Stateside. It's everything we asked for plus more, with a 305-horsepower turbocharged engine and a wing bigger than most supercars. This red one is sitting on eBay with an asking price of just under $37,000.

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BMW

BMW 230i - $35,300

When BMW gave the 228i a few extra horsepower, the little coupe also got a new name—230i. And if you equip it with the Track Handling Package, we expect the 230i to be just as much fun as its predecessor. The M2 is still faster, but for the money, you'll have a hard time beating the regular 2-Series. Here's a used one equipped with xDrive on sale right now.

The Dodge Challenger isn't nearly as athletic as the new Camaro or Mustang, but it offers some pretty wild paint colors. Oh, and you can also get a good amount of power for surprisingly little money. 375 horsepower, to be specific. And if you need more space, you can always go with the four-door version, the Charger R/T. Here's one painted in black you can own now.

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